October 22, 2005 - Kalamazoo College vs. Alma College

KALAMAZOO - In one of the biggest wins in recent years at Angell Field, Kalamazoo College defeated Alma College 38-37. The win lifts the Hornets to 3-0 at home (3-4, 2-2) while handing Alma its first conference loss of the season (5-2, 3-1).

The Hornets had to come from behind twice. Alma had a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter which the Hornets eventually tied midway through the second quarter. Alma had a 35-24 lead with 14:51 left in the fourth quarter.

The Hornets were paced by two record-setting performers in Tim Kaselitz and Jeff Green. Kaselitz threw for a record 468 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. His 39 completions and 67 attempts were also school records, and he tied a record with the five touchdown passes. Jeff Green set a school record with 223 receiving yards on 13 receptions. His four touchdown catches also tied a school record.

The Hornets had 495 yards of total offense and held the ball for just over 30 minutes. Alma had 658 yards of total offense and had possession for just over 29 minutes. Kalamazoo was 3-of-4 on fourth down and scored the eventual game-winner on a 4th-and-4 from the Alma seven with 3:14 left in the game.

Alma drove from their own 35 on the next possession to the Kalamazoo 29 but turned the ball over after four incomplete passes, including one in the end zone on fourth down.

Kalamazoo attempted to run the clock out with 1:29 left in the game and took a safety on fourth down to take more time off the clock. The Hornets then kicked from their own 20 which was fair-caught at the Alma 33. Alma's final desperation pass was batted down deep in Hornet territory.

Despite allowing 658 yards, the Hornet defense created some big plays and took advantage of five Alma turnovers. Kalamazoo only turned the ball over one time.

Kaselitz was 39-of-67 passing for 468 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked twice.

Jeff Green had 13 catches for 223 yards and four touchdowns. His longest reception was a 42-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. Mike Leifeld had nine catches for 79 yards. Stan Peplinski had six catches for 66 yards and a score. Mike Benson had four catches for 53 yards. Mike Strong had five catches for 32 yards.

Benson and Strong combined for 52 yards rushing on nine carries.

Robert Atwood led the Kalamazoo defense with 12 total tackles and two pass break-ups, including one deep in Hornet territory late in the game. Jim Backoff had eight tackles and a forced fumble. Chris Werme, Nick Tobooy and Brandon Baity each had interceptions. Alex Leonowicz and Brandon Baity each recovered Alma fumbles.

Josh Brehm led Alma with 445 passing yards (31-54) and four touchdowns, but was picked off three times. Cole Thelen had 113 yards on seven catches. Tyler Thelen had 100 yards on four catches with two touchdowns.

Mat Lambourn had 120 rushing yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. Brehm added another 86 yards on 13 carries.

Matt Stempki had 10 tackles and an interception to lead Alma.

Game Statistics